Topic > washington DC

How would you like to be kidnapped in the back of an Uber car and taken on a high-speed chase through busy D.C. streets?
That’s the experience Ryan Simonetti, chief executive of Convene, claims he had Tuesday after ordering up a ride from popular car service Uber.

Revolution Ventures has raised a $200 million fund, which the firm said is the “largest first-time venture fund outside of Silicon Valley since the 2008 financial crisis.” It focuses on early startups “off-the-beaten path.”

Washington D.C. may have with ambition and politics, PhDs and bulging bank accounts, and history of technological innovation , but it is not a friendly place for entrepreneurs. At least until now. Signs show a startup scene is emerging in our Nation’s Capital.

With the economy still in the doldrums, our political leaders are desperate to find ways to boost economic growth. Innovation and entrepreneurship are among the most obvious pathways to a solution. Both were the subject of a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship chaired by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Wednesday. I was asked to participate in the discussion with other academics, government officials and entrepreneurs.